Exercise is the best therapy for heart disease

It is not the body mass index (BMI) that is decisive for the progression of heart disease, but the level of exercise. This was proven by study results with patients suffering from coronary heart disease.

For 30 years, physicians at the University of Trondheim observed more than 3.000 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). They wanted to determine whether there is a connection between a change in body mass index (BMI) and increased physical activity in the treatment of coronary heart disease, including the associated risk of death. The result surprised not only the doctors. If a healthy Nutrition and an ideal weight is praised as the most important preventive measure, it is actually a high level of endurance exercise that prevents cardiac death. 

More oxygen in the blood through exercise

A healthy diet, ideal weight and sufficient exercise are among the most important steps to get a heart attack under control. The latest study results have now shown that an active lifestyle protects against cardiac death. Weight loss is therefore of secondary importance. The reason for this was the oxygen that is pumped through the veins more during endurance sports. The blood flows more strongly and opens narrowed blood vessels, so Heart attack, heart failure and Stroke can be prevented. However, anyone who only loses weight must continue to live with the risk of narrowed arteries. In addition, the study showed that people of normal weight have an even greater risk of mortality due to a falling BMI within the first three years. Observation of obese CHD patients (BMI greater than 25), on the other hand, showed no discernible connection between BMI and mortality.

Active heart patients live longer

The analysis of the data after exercise therapy for patients with coronary heart disease came to a different conclusion. Regardless of whether they were of normal weight or obese, the values ​​improved after regular endurance training. Regardless of whether it was brisk walking, cycling, walking, jogging or swimming, it was the exercise that counted. Pure strength training or relaxation sessions such as yoga and tai chi are primarily irrelevant for cardiovascular health. These are recommended as a supplement, but do not help to improve blood circulation to the required extent. To achieve the greatest possible success, the German Heart Foundation recommends four to five sessions a week. These should last at least 30 minutes each for moderate endurance exercise or 20 minutes for very strenuous exercise. According to the study, patients who were very active had a 36 percent reduction in their mortality risk compared to inactive patients. Participants who remained below their performance limit reduced the risk by 20 percent. Only in patients with low activity was there no improvement in the course of therapy.

Before starting endurance training for a health check

We strongly advise all participants who start endurance training without training to undergo a medical examination. This involves testing the entire cardiovascular system for resilience and recommending a healthy dose to start with. Training can then begin. Improved performance, a stronger heart muscle, reducing excess weight and regulating blood lipid levels and blood pressure are proven to be the best treatment and prevention for coronary heart disease.